A commentary or exposition upon the four Evangelists, and the Acts of the Apostles: wherein the text is explained, some controversies are discussed, divers common places are handled, and many remarkable matters hinted, that had by former interpreters been pretermitted. Besides, divers other texts of Scripture which occasionally occur are fully opened, and the whole so intermixed with pertinent histories, as will yeeld both pleasure and profit to the judicious reader. / By John Trapp M. A. Pastour of Weston upon Avon in Gloucestershire.

For the oaths sake and them which sate]

All this was but pre∣tended to his villany, and that he might have somewhat to say to the people, whom he feared, in excuse for himself. As that he be∣headed the Baptist indeed, but his guests would needs have it so, because he had promised the damosell her whole desire, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would not otherwise be satisfied. Besides, it was his birth-day wherein it was not fit he should deny his Nobles any thing, who* 1.1 minded him of his oath, &c. But the oath was wicked, and therefore not obligatory. He should have broken it as David in like case did, 1 Sam. 25. when he swore a great oath what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 would do to Nabal. But Herod, for the avoyding of the sands, rusheth upon the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, prevents perjury by murther, not consi∣dering the rule that no man is held so perplexed between two vi∣ces,* 1.2 but that he may finde an issue without falling into a third.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊〉 bonos mores 〈◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊〉: Est regu∣la in 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉.
• * 1.2

  〈◊◊◊◊◊〉〈◊◊◊◊◊〉 duo 〈◊〉〈◊〉 quin exitus pa∣teat 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ter 〈◊〉〈◊〉